The U.S. Mint began minting beautiful silver coins in 1921 to commemorate the peace and prosperity that had been established after World War I. The Peace Dollar, an amazing coin series, was produced in 1935 and came to stand for hope following the war. These coins have historical significance and are extremely desired because they were the last to be minted with 90% silver content.
The 1925-S Peace Dollar is very common in Mint State and very common in circulating grades. Gems, however, are very uncommon because almost all 1925-S Peace Dollars have a weak strike. The 1925-S is the rarest S-Mint Peace Dollar in MS-65, and it is the only date in the whole series where no sample has been certified above MS-65, according to the PCGS Population Report! There are some beautiful examples of the 1925-S Peace Dollar, but most have a frosty, gritty shine. Generally speaking, the 1925-S is attractive from the outside, but you’ll find it extremely difficult to find one with a full strike.
The 1925 Peace Silver Dollar is extremely valuable by collectors, much like other coins in this series. Its condition and rarity have a significant impact on its value; higher-grade coins of superior quality get higher prices since they are rare.
1925 Peace Silver Dollar Value Chart
| Condition | 1925 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar | 1925-S Silver Dollar |
| Good | $38.50 | $35 |
| Very Good | $39 | $37.50 |
| Fine | $39.50 | $42.50 |
| Very Fine | $40 | $45 |
| Extra Fine | $41 | $50 |
| AU | $43 | $60 |
| MS 60 | $45 | $100 |
| MS 65 | $175 | $15,000 |
History of the 1925 Peace Silver Dollar
The Peace Dollar series began in 1921 as a replacement for the Morgan Dollar. This new coin was designed to symbolize the end of World War I and the peace treaty between the United States and Germany. Interestingly, the U.S. delayed ratifying the Treaty of Versailles, doing so only in 1921, two years after other Allied Powers. The Peace Dollar commemorated this belated ratification and the era of peace it signified.
From 1920 to 1933, the U.S. Mint melted millions of Morgan Dollars to support Britain’s paper currency with silver, converting the metal into Peace Dollars. The 1925 Peace Silver Dollar represents an early issue in the series and remains a sought-after piece in numismatics.
1925 Peace Silver Dollar Mintage
| Mint Location | Year | Mintage |
| Philadelphia | 1925 No Mint Mark | 10,198,000 |
| San Francisco | 1925-S | 1,610,000 |
| Total | 11,808,000 |
Coins from Philadelphia lack a mint mark, while San Francisco coins bear the “S” mint mark on the reverse.
Features of the 1925 Peace Silver Dollar
The Peace Dollar was designed by famous sculptor Anthony de Francisci. Lady Liberty, one of the most attractive coins in American history, was designed by his wife, Teresa.
The Obverse Design
A realistic picture of Lady Liberty with flowing hair and a crown evoking the Statue of Liberty may be found on the obverse. The date is inscribed below and the word LIBERTY arcs along the edge. The text IN GOD WE TRVST is divided on either side of the image, while De Francisci’s initials, AF, are written at the top of Liberty’s neck.
Reverse Design
The reverse showcases a bald eagle perched on a rock, with its wings folded and gaze fixed into the distance. The inscriptions E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appear above, while the denomination ONE DOLLAR is placed to the sides of the eagle. The word PEACE is engraved at the bottom, reflecting the coin’s purpose.
Originally, the design included a broken sword, symbolizing disarmament. However, the public interpreted it as a sign of defeat, prompting its removal. Chief Engraver George T. Morgan seamlessly filled the design gap, which remained unnoticed for decades.
Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Face Value | $1 |
| Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
| Silver Content | 0.77344 troy ounces |
| Weight | 0.8594 troy ounces (26.73 g) |
| Diameter | 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) |
| Thickness | 0.09449 inches (2.4 mm) |
| Edge | Reeded |
Grading and Value of 1925 Peace Silver Dollar
Grading a Peace Silver Dollar is essential for determining its value. Coins are assessed on the Sheldon scale, with grades ranging from Basal State (1) to the perfect Mint State (70). Professional grading can significantly increase a coin’s market value.
Examples of Value by Grade:
- 1925 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia): Prices range from $34 in average condition to $4,250 in MS 67 grade. A record MS 68 coin sold for $89,125 at auction in 2011.
- 1925-S (San Francisco): In MS 65 grade, values can reach $15,000 to $40,000. An MS 66 coin fetched $132,000 in 2022.
Rare Errors and VAM Varieties
Errors and VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) varieties can make 1925 Peace Silver Dollars highly valuable. Key errors include:
Tiara Die Gouge (VAM 1A)
- Features a small horizontal line under the B in LIBERTY.
- Values range from $65 (MS 60) to $700 (MS 66).
Shortened/Missing Rays (VAM 1T)
- Rays near the eagle’s tail are missing or weak.
- Prices range from $85 (MS 60) to $750 (MS 66).
Doubled Lower Reverse (VAM 2)
- Found on San Francisco coins, with a doubling on the eagle’s leg feathers and olive branch.
- Values range from $130 (MS 60) to $27,500 (MS 65).
Cracked Planchet
- A visible crack or missing edge piece adds value if verified as a minting error.
Conclusion
The 1925 Peace Silver Dollar is a masterpiece of artistry and historical significance. Whether in circulated condition or high-grade mint states, these coins remain a prized possession for collectors. Rare errors, low mintage numbers, and its iconic design make this coin a standout in any collection.
For enthusiasts or investors, the 1925 Peace Silver Dollar offers both aesthetic appeal and a tangible connection to an era of peace and prosperity.